When I was a little girl, I used to leave out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa Claus, knowing full well my Dad would really be the one enjoying those homemade treats. I didn't tell my parents that I knew the truth because it didn’t really matter. These magical stories surrounding Christmas are wonderful, timeless additions to our lives (Rudolph has always been a favorite), but the way in which the holiday allows us to show our love for the people in our lives is truly special. Like many of you I'm sure, the best gesture of love in the Walsh family is food. Whether you prefer roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, or the holiday goose, peruse the categories below for a collection of Christmas recipes. And last but not least, don't forget to visit the Homemade Gifts section to spoil your loved ones without breaking the bank.

Holiday Party Appetizers

Holiday Ham and Onion

Pumpkin Cheese Spread

Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts

Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs

Zippy Cranberry Cheddar Spread

Grand Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Scallops Wrapped in Bacon

Mexican Shrimp Ceviche

Grilled Prosciutto and Basil-Wrapped Shrimp

Fried Brie

Beverages

Old-Fashioned Eggnog

Exquisite Eggnog

Irish Cream Liqueur

Traditional Eggnog

Reindeer Punch

Apple Cider Punch

Eggnog Latte

Low-fat Eggnog

Holiday Mulled Spiced Cider

Mulled Wine

Spiced Cider

Hot Cranberry Punch

Gingerbread Latte

Hot Buttered Rum

Non-Dairy Eggnog

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Christmas Brunch

Gingerbread Pancakes

Banana-Gingerbread Muffins

Gingerbread Biscotti

Pint-Sized Almond-Cherry Bread

Eggnog Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

Almond-Crusted Vanilla Cinnamon-Raisin-Swirl French Toast

Best Brunch Casserole

A Classic French-Style Omelet

Breakfast Pie

Main Course

Christmas Goose with Raisin Stuffing

Cornish Hens

Roast Beef

Bagged Orange-Glazed Ham

Baked Honey Ham

Baked Bourbon-Glazed Ham

Sage and Apple Ham

Grilled Boneless Provencal-Style Leg of Lamb with Grilled Tomatoes

Eric Boardman's Christmas Shrimp Curry

Prime Rib-Eye Roast

Rosemary-Roasted Turkey

Roasted Free-Range Turkey with Pear-Chestnut Stuffing

Cumin and Oregano Rubbed Turkey with Chorizo and Cornbread Stuffing

Sides and Stuffing

Yams with Cranberries and Apples

Chestnut Soup

Cranberry Dream

Braised Chestnuts

Heavenly 24-Hour Salad

Baked Cranberry Apples

Cranberry Sweet Potato Bake

Holiday Sweet Potato Bake

Streuseled Sweet Potato Casserole

Parmesan-Black Pepper Mashed Potatoes

Zippy Mashed Potatoes

Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Heavenly Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean and Potato Casserole

Crunchy Green Bean Casserole

Stuffing

Chestnut Stuffing

Festive Cranberry Stuffing

Cranberry-Apple-Raisin Stuffing

Skillet Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

Savory Spinach and Artichoke Stuffing

Sweets

Cookies

Gingerbread People

Holiday Sugar Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Spiced Honey Cookies

Chocolate Bourbon Balls

Candy Cane Cookies

Other Sweets

Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce

Yule Log

Candy Cane White Fudge

Christmas Mocha Nut Butter Balls

Jingle Balls

Chocolate Kiss Trees

Chocolate Fruit Cake

Fast 'N Fabulous Fruitcake

Christmas Cupcakes

Santa's Favorite Cake

Peppermint Brittle

Cranberry Nut Fudge

Sugar Plum Cake

White Chocolate Holiday Bark

Chocolate Chestnut Mousse

Cranberry Pecan Pie with Cornmeal Crust

Date Pudding Cake with Sticky Toffee Sauce

Vegetarian

Lentil and Nut Roast

Stuffed Eggplant Halves

Oh Soy Good Meatless Meatloaf

Artichoke and Chick Pea Pilaf

Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Lasagna

Barley Herb Casserole

Double Crust Bean Pie

Roasted Red Bell Pepper Casserole

Zucchini Crab Cakes

Lentils Italiano